SINCE 1828

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dentition

noun den·ti·tion \ den-ˈti-shən \

Definition of dentition

1 : the development and cutting of teeth

2 : the character of a set of teeth especially with regard to their number, kind, and arrangement — see tooth illustration

3 : teeth

See dentition defined for kids

Recent Examples of dentition from the Web

While Microleo was unique for being petite, Whollydooleya stands out for its extreme dentition, specifically, its blade-like teeth.

— peter schouten, National Geographic, "This Marsupial Lion Was the Size of a Squirrel," 16 Aug. 2016
Most weasels have dentition more typical of carnivores, with a few sharp, slicing teeth and fewer, smaller molars, which other animals use to grind plants.

— natalie angier, New York Times, "Weasels Are Built for the Hunt," 13 June 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dentition.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of dentition

Latin dentition-, dentitio, from dentire to cut teeth, from dent-, dens

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1615

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

dentition

noun den·ti·tion \ den-ˈtish-ən \

medical Definition of dentition

1 : the development and cutting of teeth

2 : the character of a set of teeth especially with regard to their number, kind, and arrangement

3 : teeth

Illustration of dentition

Learn More about dentition

See words that rhyme with dentition Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dentition

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